Gracias, Allison!

The Goods: Today I got a surprise call from Allison Rivers Samson, VN columnist extraordinaire and owner of Allison's Gourmet, saying that she was in town and would be at Gracias Madre for lunch. Associate Editor Jennifer Chen and I were out the door and down the street faster than you can say "almuerzo." We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Allison and her two right-hand gals Tessa and Jada. Since they're all in the desserts business, we had extra, professional incentive to order the out-of-this world desserts at GM, including the flan, nectarine crisp, and chocolate cake. The last two there come with softball-sized servings of ice cream (dulce de leche and toasted coconut, respectively), and you know, there's nothing that brightens up a Monday like phenomenal ice cream shared with great people. Here's hoping that your week is off to a similarly great start!